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What are verbs that start with D? Are you looking to enhance your vocabulary or freshen it up a little? Maybe you have a family weekend coming up and everyone has agreed on a good game of Scrabble. Make sure you sound sophisticated – and that you don’t come in last – by learning or reviewing these useful verbs that begin with the letter D.
Top Common Verbs that Start with D
Essential “D” Verbs for Beginners
Here are some of the most useful everyday verbs that start with D. These are excellent for beginner and intermediate learners who want to speak and write more naturally.
Do
Definition: To perform an action or task; to carry out something.
Examples:
- What are you going to do this weekend?
- He always does his homework after dinner.
Decide
Definition: To choose something after thinking about it; to make a choice.
Examples:
- They had to decide which restaurant to go to.
- She finally decided to study abroad.
Dance
Definition: To move your body to music, usually following a rhythm.
Examples:
- She loves to dance at parties.
- They danced all night at the wedding.
Drive
Definition: To operate and control a vehicle so that it moves.
Examples:
- He drove to work this morning.
- She is learning how to drive.
Drink
Definition: To take liquid into your mouth and swallow it.
Examples:
- You should drink more water every day.
- They drank coffee together after the meeting.
Draw
Definition: To make a picture or lines on a surface using a pen, pencil, or similar tool.
Examples:
- He drew a picture of the landscape.
- The children love to draw animals.
Drop
Definition: To let something fall; to allow something to fall from your hand.
Examples:
- She dropped the vase and it shattered.
- Be careful not to drop your phone.
Die
Definition: To stop living; for a living thing to come to the end of its life.
Examples:
- The old tree finally died after the storm.
- All living things die one day.
Discover
Definition: To find something for the first time or to learn about something that was unknown.
Examples:
- She discovered a new species of butterfly.
- We discovered a hidden gem in the city.
Decide vs. Determine
Decide is used for everyday choices, while determine is often more formal or academic, meaning “to find out” or “to control.”
- They decided to leave early.
- The scientists determined the cause of the problem.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with D
These verbs are common in academic writing, business reports, and exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
Determine
Definition: To find out something exactly; to decide or control something.
Example: The researchers determined that the treatment was effective.
Demonstrate
Definition: To show clearly that something is true; to explain or show how something works.
Example: He demonstrated how to use the new software.
Develop
Definition: To grow, improve, or create something over time.
Example: She developed a new approach to teaching.
Discuss
Definition: To talk about something with another person or group, often to reach a decision.
Example: They discussed the issue at length.
Describe
Definition: To say or write what someone or something is like.
Example: She described the scene in great detail.
Discover
Definition: To find out something that was not known before.
Example: The scientist discovered an important pattern in the data.
Decline
Definition: To become weaker, fewer, or less; to politely refuse.
Examples:
- The company’s profits declined last year.
- She declined the invitation.
Dehydrate
Definition: To remove water from something; for a person or thing to lose too much water.
Example: Running in the heat can dehydrate you quickly.
Deprive
Definition: To prevent someone from having something they need or want.
Example: The long hours deprived him of sleep.
Depict
Definition: To show or represent something in a picture, story, or film.
Example: The movie depicts life in a small village.
Distribute
Definition: To give or deliver something to several people or places.
Example: Volunteers distributed food to the refugees.
Deploy
Definition: To move people or equipment into position for action.
Example: The organization deployed more staff to handle the emergency.
Diagnose
Definition: To identify a problem or illness by examining the facts or symptoms.
Example: The doctor diagnosed him with a cold.
Disclose
Definition: To make something known that was secret or private.
Example: The report disclosed several serious problems.
Disqualify
Definition: To stop someone from taking part in something because they broke a rule.
Example: The referee disqualified the player for cheating.
Action Verbs that Start with D
Physical Action Verbs
These verbs describe actions you can usually see someone doing.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dance | Move your body to music in a rhythmic way | She loves to dance at parties. |
| Dash | Run or move very quickly and suddenly | The kids dashed across the playground. |
| Dig | Break or move earth with a tool or hands | The dog dug a hole in the backyard. |
| Drag | Pull something along the ground with effort | He dragged the heavy suitcase. |
| Drain | Remove liquid from something | She drained the water from the sink. |
| Draw | Make a picture or lines on a surface | He drew a picture of the landscape. |
| Drive | Control and move a vehicle | He drove to work. |
| Drop | Let something fall from your hand | She dropped the vase and it shattered. |
| Dry | Remove moisture so that something is no longer wet | He dried his clothes in the sun. |
| Dine | Eat dinner, usually a main meal | They dined at a fancy restaurant last night. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
These verbs show thinking, deciding, or communicating.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Decide | Choose something after thinking | They had to decide which restaurant to go to. |
| Debate | Discuss something by giving different opinions | The politicians debated the merits of the new policy. |
| Describe | Say what someone or something is like | She described the scene in great detail. |
| Design | Plan or create how something will look or work | They designed a new logo for the company. |
| Desire | Strongly want something | He desires to be successful in his career. |
| Determine | Find out or decide something exactly | They determined the cause of the problem. |
| Disagree | Have a different opinion | They disagreed on the best way to solve the problem. |
| Discover | Find something new or unknown | She discovered a new species of butterfly. |
| Discuss | Talk about something in detail | They discussed the issue at length. |
| Decelerate | Slow down | The car started to decelerate as it approached the stop sign. |
Positive Verbs that Start with D
Verbs for Success and Achievement
Use these verbs to talk about progress, goals, and success.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Develop | Grow or improve something over time | She is working to develop her skills. |
| Discover | Find something valuable or new | We discovered a hidden gem in the city. |
| Dedicate | Give time and effort to a purpose | She dedicated her life to helping others. |
| Deliver | Achieve or provide what is expected | The team delivered excellent results this quarter. |
| Drive | Strongly motivate or push towards success | He is driven to succeed in his career. |
| Design | Create a plan or product that works well | He designed a new product that was a huge success. |
| Dream | Imagine or hope for something in the future | She dreams of becoming a successful businesswoman. |
| Decide | Make a clear choice and move forward | You need to decide what your main goal is. |
| Demonstrate | Show clearly that you can do something | He demonstrated strong leadership skills. |
| Dominate | Be the most successful or powerful in an area | The company dominates the local market. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
These positive verbs describe emotions, care, and connection.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Delight | Give great pleasure or joy | The news delighted her. |
| Depend (on) | Trust or rely on someone | You can depend on your friends for support. |
| Devote | Give a lot of time or attention to someone or something | He devotes his weekends to his family. |
| Donate | Give money or things to help others | They donate money to charity every year. |
| Defend | Protect someone or something from attack or criticism | The lawyer defended his client in court. |
| Discuss | Talk about something to understand or solve it together | They discuss their problems openly. |
| Dance | Enjoy time together by moving to music | They danced together at their anniversary party. |
| Dream (of) | Think lovingly about future possibilities | They dream of traveling the world together. |
| Delight (in) | Enjoy something very much | She delights in helping her friends. |
| Describe | Share details so someone feels included | He described the trip so well that we felt we were there. |
Important Phrasal Verbs Starting with D
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Do”, “Drop”, “Dress”, and “Drive”
Do away with
Meaning: To remove or stop using something; to get rid of it.
Example: Many people think we should do away with plastic bags.
Do up
Meaning: To fasten or close clothing; to decorate or renovate a place.
Examples:
- Please do up your coat, it’s cold outside.
- They spent the summer doing up their old house.
Do without
Meaning: To manage when you do not have something.
Example: We can do without dessert tonight.
Drop by
Meaning: To visit someone informally, often without planning.
Example: Why don’t you drop by my office this afternoon?
Drop off
Meaning: To take someone or something to a place and leave them/it there.
Example: I’ll drop the kids off at school on my way to work.
Drop out
Meaning: To leave a course, school, or activity before finishing.
Example: He dropped out of college to start his own business.
Dress up
Meaning: To wear formal or special clothes.
Example: We all dressed up for the ceremony.
Dress down
Meaning: To wear informal clothes; to scold someone (especially in American English).
Examples:
- You can dress down on Fridays at this company.
- The manager dressed him down for being late.
Drive off
Meaning: To leave in a car; to force someone or something to go away.
Example: The thief drove off before the police arrived.
Drive away
Meaning: To make someone go away or leave.
Example: The loud noise drove away the birds.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with D
This list focuses on common and useful modern verbs starting with D.
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Dab | /dæb/ | Tap lightly, usually with a cloth or finger |
| Damage | /ˈdæmɪdʒ/ | Harm or spoil something |
| Dance | /dæns/ | Move to music in a rhythmic way |
| Dare | /dɛər/ | Be brave enough to do something risky |
| Dash | /dæʃ/ | Run or move quickly and suddenly |
| Date | /deɪt/ | Go out socially with someone; put a date on something |
| Deal | /diːl/ | Handle a situation; do business |
| Debate | /dɪˈbeɪt/ | Discuss opposing ideas formally |
| Decelerate | /diːˈsɛləreɪt/ | Slow down |
| Decide | /dɪˈsaɪd/ | Choose after thinking |
| Declare | /dɪˈklɛər/ | Announce something officially or clearly |
| Decrease | /dɪˈkriːs/ | Become or make smaller in amount |
| Dedicate | /ˈdɛdɪkeɪt/ | Give time or effort to a purpose |
| Deduct | /dɪˈdʌkt/ | Take an amount away from a total |
| Defeat | /dɪˈfiːt/ | Win a victory over someone or something |
| Defend | /dɪˈfɛnd/ | Protect from attack or criticism |
| Define | /dɪˈfaɪn/ | Explain the meaning of a word or idea |
| Delay | /dɪˈleɪ/ | Make something happen later than planned |
| Delegate | /ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/ | Give tasks or authority to another person |
| Delete | /dɪˈliːt/ | Remove something completely |
| Deliver | /dɪˈlɪvə/ | Bring or hand something to its destination |
| Demand | /dɪˈmɑːnd/ | Ask for something very strongly |
| Demonstrate | /ˈdɛmənstreɪt/ | Show clearly; explain how something works |
| Deny | /dɪˈnaɪ/ | Say that something is not true; refuse |
| Depart | /dɪˈpɑːt/ | Leave a place |
| Depend | /dɪˈpɛnd/ | Need or rely on someone or something |
| Depict | /dɪˈpɪkt/ | Show in a picture or story |
| Deplete | /dɪˈpliːt/ | Use up most of something |
| Deport | /dɪˈpɔːt/ | Force someone to leave a country |
| Describe | /dɪˈskraɪb/ | Say what something or someone is like |
| Desert | /dɪˈzɜːt/ | Leave someone or something behind |
| Deserve | /dɪˈzɜːv/ | Be worthy of something |
| Design | /dɪˈzaɪn/ | Plan or create how something will look or work |
| Desire | /dɪˈzaɪə/ | Strongly want something |
| Destroy | /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ | Completely ruin something so it cannot be used |
| Detect | /dɪˈtɛkt/ | Notice or discover something that is not easy to see |
| Determine | /dɪˈtɜːmɪn/ | Find out, decide, or control something |
| Develop | /dɪˈvɛləp/ | Grow, change, or improve over time |
| Die | /daɪ/ | Stop living |
| Dig | /dɪɡ/ | Move earth with a tool or hands |
| Disagree | /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/ | Have a different opinion |
| Disappear | /ˌdɪsəˈpɪə/ | Go out of sight; stop existing or being seen |
| Discover | /dɪˈskʌvə/ | Find something for the first time |
| Discuss | /dɪˈskʌs/ | Talk about something in detail |
| Dislike | /dɪsˈlaɪk/ | Not like something or someone |
| Dismiss | /dɪsˈmɪs/ | Refuse to accept; remove someone from a job |
| Divide | /dɪˈvaɪd/ | Separate into parts; share between people |
| Donate | /ˈdəʊneɪt/ | Give something to help a person or organization |
| Doubt | /daʊt/ | Feel uncertain about something |
| Download | /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ | Copy data from the internet to your device |
| Drag | /dræɡ/ | Pull something with effort along the ground |
| Drain | /dreɪn/ | Remove liquid from something |
| Draw | /drɔː/ | Produce a picture with lines |
| Dream | /driːm/ | See images in your mind while sleeping; imagine the future |
| Dress | /drɛs/ | Put clothes on yourself or someone else |
| Drink | /drɪŋk/ | Take liquid into your mouth and swallow |
| Drive | /draɪv/ | Operate a vehicle and make it move |
| Drop | /drɒp/ | Let something fall |
| Drown | /draʊn/ | Die or kill by being under water |
| Dry | /draɪ/ | Remove water or moisture from something |
Confusing D Verbs & Common Mistakes
Damage vs. Destroy
- Damage = harm something, but it can often be repaired.
- Destroy = ruin something completely so it cannot be used again.
Examples:
- The storm damaged the roof, but they fixed it.
- The fire destroyed the entire building.
Discover vs. Detect
- Discover = find something that was unknown or hidden.
- Detect = notice or sense something that is difficult to see or find.
Examples:
- She discovered a new café in her neighborhood.
- The scientist detected a small error in the data.
Exercises: Test Your Knowledge on “D” Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence with a suitable verb that starts with D.
- The magician made the rabbit __________ in front of the audience.
- They __________ the problem carefully before making a decision.
- She __________ money to charity every year.
- The car began to __________ as it approached the red light.
- The company wants to __________ a new product next year.
- Please __________ your coat; it’s cold outside.
- The teacher asked the students to __________ the picture in their own words.
- The team __________ a plan to improve customer service.
- He __________ me to jump off the diving board.
- The flight was __________ because of bad weather.
Exercise 2: Match the Definition
Match each verb (1–5) with the correct definition (A–E).
- Determine
- Distribute
- Donate
- Describe
- Debate
A. Give something, especially money, to help others
B. Talk about an issue by giving different opinions
C. Find out or decide something exactly
D. Say what something is like in words
E. Share or give something out to several people
Answer Key
Exercise 1: 1. disappear 2. discussed 3. donates 4. decelerate 5. develop 6. do up / wear (best: dress or do up) 7. describe 8. designed / developed 9. dared 10. delayed
Exercise 2: 1 – C, 2 – E, 3 – A, 4 – D, 5 – B
Conclusion
After reading this article, you’ll feel more confident using verbs that start with D in everyday conversations, writing, and even word games like Scrabble. You have reviewed what verbs are, practiced common, academic, positive, and phrasal verbs, and explored a focused list of useful D-verbs. Keep revisiting these words and try using them in your own sentences so they become a natural part of your English.
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with D
- Nouns that Start with D
- Words that Start with D
- Positive Words that Start with D
Learn more A–Z Verbs:
- Verbs that Start with A
- Verbs that Start with B
- Verbs that Start with C
- Verbs that Start with D
- Verbs that Start with E
- Verbs that Start with F
- Verbs that Start with G
- Verbs that Start with H
- Verbs that Start with I
- Verbs that Start with J
- Verbs that Start with K
- Verbs that Start with L
- Verbs that Start with M
- Verbs that Start with N
- Verbs that Start with O
- Verbs that Start with P
- Verbs that Start with Q
- Verbs that Start with R
- Verbs that Start with S
- Verbs that Start with T
- Verbs that Start with U
- Verbs that Start with V
- Verbs that Start with W
- Verbs that Start with X
- Verbs that Start with Y
- Verbs that Start with Z